Cast of Stranger Things – Every Actor in the Final Season

The final season of Netflix’s sci-fi phenomenon brings back nearly every familiar face while introducing several new ones, including a Hollywood legend. With Volume 1 premiering on November 26, 2025 and Volume 2 following in December, according to Rotten Tomatoes and Radio Times, the cast of Stranger Things season 5 represents the largest ensemble the show has assembled. Here is a complete breakdown of every confirmed actor and character for the closing chapter.

Stranger Things debuted in July 2016 with a relatively tight group of characters in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana. Over five seasons, that ensemble has expanded significantly, adding new kids, teenagers, and adults as the threats from the Upside Down grew. Season 5 caps this journey by reuniting the entire core cast and adding fresh faces that hint at a sprawling, conclusive story.

Below, we answer the most common questions about who is who in the final season, from the original party members to the newest arrivals.

Who Are the Main Actors in Stranger Things?

The show’s foundation rests on a core group of young actors who have grown up on screen, supported by veteran performers. Millie Bobby Brown leads as Eleven, also known as Jane Hopper, with Finn Wolfhard playing her boyfriend Mike Wheeler. The main adult roles are held by Winona Ryder as Joyce Byers and David Harbour as Chief Jim Hopper. These four actors have appeared in every season and remain central to season 5. For a deeper look at the series journey, see our Full Stranger Things season guide.

Quick Overview: Core Cast at a Glance

Key Insights About the Stranger Things Cast

• The Stranger Things cast has remained remarkably stable across 5 seasons, with very few main character exits.
• Season 5 introduces key new cast members including Terminator legend Linda Hamilton.
• Holly Wheeler, previously a minor child character, will be played by a new actress in season 5, signaling a larger role.
• Derek appears to be a new season 5 character, but official details remain limited.
• The show launched the careers of its young stars, with Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard now among Hollywood’s most in-demand young actors.

Core Cast Facts

What Is the Complete Cast of Stranger Things Season 5?

Season 5 brings back nearly every major actor from previous seasons. According to Rotten Tomatoes and Radio Times, the returning main cast includes Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Noah Schnapp, Sadie Sink, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton, Joe Keery, Maya Hawke, Priah Ferguson, Brett Gelman, and Jamie Campbell Bower. Cara Buono, Matthew Modine, Joseph Quinn, Eduardo Franco, and Paul Reiser also reprise their roles.

Returning Main Cast

The core ensemble is fully intact. Gaten Matarazzo’s Dustin Henderson is seen fearing for his life alongside Joe Keery’s Steve Harrington in the trailer, per Radio Times. Brett Gelman’s Murray Bauman teams up with Joyce again, and Jamie Campbell Bower returns as the villain Vecna (also known as Henry Creel and One). Sadie Sink’s return as Max Mayfield was confirmed via a cast photo, according to the Stranger Things Fandom wiki.

Supporting Returning Cast

Several recurring faces also return. Joe Chrest is back as Ted Wheeler. Clayton Royal Johnson appears as Andy in 2 of 8 episodes, Hunter Romanillos appears as Chance in 2 of 8 episodes, and Randy Havens reprises his role as Scott Clarke, according to Radio Times and Fandom.

New Characters and Cast Additions for Season 5

Linda Hamilton was announced as Dr. Kay on June 17, 2023 at Netflix TUDUM, per Radio Times. Her role remains mysterious but is expected to carry significant weight given the actress’s iconic status. Nell Fisher plays Holly Wheeler, a character who previously appeared as a background child but now steps into a more active role. Jake Connelly portrays Derek Turnbow, and Alex Breaux plays Lieutenant Akers. All three were announced on July 15, 2024 with character names revealed on May 31, 2025, according to Fandom.

Who Plays Holly Wheeler and Derek in Stranger Things?

Two specific new characters have drawn particular curiosity from fans: Holly Wheeler and Derek. Here is what is known about each.

Holly Wheeler

Holly Wheeler is the younger sister of Mike and Nancy Wheeler. In previous seasons, she was portrayed by a young child actor in a minor, largely background role. For season 5, Nell Fisher takes over the part, suggesting the character will have significantly more screen time. Fisher was announced on July 15, 2024, and the character reveal came on May 31, 2025, per the Stranger Things Fandom wiki. The expanded role may tie into the Byers-Wheeler family dynamic that the final season is expected to explore.

Derek Turnbow

Derek Turnbow is a completely new character for season 5, played by Jake Connelly. The character was announced alongside Nell Fisher and Alex Breaux on July 15, 2024, with the name Derek Turnbow revealed on May 31, 2025, according to Fandom. Specific plot details for Derek have not been publicly disclosed, and the actor’s name had not been widely reported prior to the character reveal.

Billy Hargrove

Billy Hargrove, a fan-favorite antagonist from seasons 2 and 3, was played by Dacre Montgomery. The character was killed off in season 3 and has not been confirmed to return for season 5. Montgomery remains part of the broader Stranger Things universe only through flashback or supernatural appearances, none of which have been officially announced for the final season.

What Is the Cast List for Stranger Things Season 4?

Season 4, which aired in two volumes in 2022, introduced several key characters who remain part of the story in season 5. Jamie Campbell Bower joined as Vecna (Henry Creel / One), the primary antagonist. Joseph Quinn appeared as Eddie Munson, a fan-favorite character who died in the season 4 finale but returns for season 5, according to Rotten Tomatoes. Eduardo Franco debuted as Argyle, Jonathan Byers’s friend from California. Amybeth McNulty and Grace Van Dien also appeared as Vickie and Chrissy, respectively.

The season 4 cast also featured returning actors from earlier seasons: Sadie Sink as Max Mayfield, Maya Hawke as Robin Buckley, and Priah Ferguson as Erica Sinclair all had expanded roles. Dacre Montgomery appeared as Billy Hargrove in flashback sequences. The full season 4 cast, per the Stranger Things full cast & crew (IMDb), included over 100 credited actors across its nine episodes.

Timeline: Cast Additions Across All Seasons

The Stranger Things cast grew steadily as the show expanded its scope. Below is a season-by-season overview of major new additions, compiled from the show’s production history.

1. Season 1 (2016): Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, Natalia Dyer, Charlie Heaton.
2. Season 2 (2017): Sadie Sink, Dacre Montgomery, Priah Ferguson, Sean Astin, Paul Reiser.
3. Season 3 (2019): Maya Hawke, Jake Busey, Cary Elwes.
4. Season 4 (2022): Jamie Campbell Bower, Joseph Quinn, Eduardo Franco, Amybeth McNulty, Grace Van Dien.
5. Season 5 (2025): Linda Hamilton, Nell Fisher (Holly Wheeler), Jake Connelly (Derek Turnbow), Alex Breaux (Lieutenant Akers).

What Is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear About Season 5 Casting?

While a great deal is known about the cast for the final season, some questions remain unanswered. The table below separates established facts from areas where information is still incomplete.

What Does the Cast Say About the Show’s Legacy?

The Stranger Things cast has evolved from a tight ensemble in 2016 to an expanded universe in 2025, adding major names like Linda Hamilton for its final season. The show’s young cast have all grown up publicly alongside their characters, creating a unique dynamic as the series concludes. As the finale approaches, the cast represents one of the most successful ensemble launches in streaming history, with multiple actors now leading their own major franchises. The addition of Holly Wheeler as a more prominent character suggests the final season may focus more on the Byers-Wheeler family dynamic.

Key Sources and Credible References

The information in this guide is drawn from multiple reputable sources. The Stranger Things character list (Wikipedia) provides a comprehensive character breakdown by season. The Stranger Things on Netflix official page serves as the primary platform for viewing. The Netflix Media Center is the authoritative source for official casting announcements and press releases. Rotten Tomatoes and Radio Times provided release date and trailer analysis. The Stranger Things Fandom wiki contributed episode appearance counts and character reveal dates.

Summary: The Full Picture of the Stranger Things Cast

The Stranger Things cast for season 5 includes every major returning actor from prior seasons, a handful of recurring supporting players, and a select group of new additions led by Linda Hamilton. Nell Fisher takes over the role of Holly Wheeler, Jake Connelly plays the new character Derek Turnbow, and Alex Breaux portrays Lieutenant Akers. With no main cast departures confirmed, the final season promises a full ensemble closure to a story that has spanned nearly a decade. For a broader look at the series, read our Full Stranger Things season guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Stranger Things Cast